Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Unfortunately, she did not give me a timeline or a date. It was very clear from my question and from what I have said that this is what the family are waiting for. This is a 26-month process. The Minister of State has quite rightly pointed out that it was the drugs group that made a positive recommendation last February. What has been the hold-up since then, especially since the Minister made all of this extra money available for new drugs and specifically spoke about drugs for Parkinson's disease? This family sees other families able to access this drug. They know it works and that it is the only thing that will work for their loved one. They are glad to see others receiving it but they are still waiting. The Parkinson's groups in the north west and in Mayo are waiting to hear what the Minister of State has to say on this because there is no other drug that will fit the bill. I ask the Minister of State to make her very best effort, as I know she will, to speed this process up as much as possible. I am disappointed, not for me, but for the person I know who is waiting and who is listening to this debate. I honestly thought I might have heard some positive news. I will leave it with the Minister of State. I would appreciate it if she would come back to me as soon as she can.

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